I'm no longer asking.
Hi. I'm Lex. I have this really cool trick where my kidneys decided to aggressively retire early, so now I need a new one.
The statistical odds of me being both O+ AND needing a kidney puts me on the very far edge of two bell curves. We're trying to pull me back to the center before I fall off the graph.
Yes, I know I'm basically a statistical anomaly.
You actually only need one kidney to live a completely normal, healthy life. The second one is essentially a spare tire, except it doesn't get flat, it just sits there collecting dust.
In fact, people who donate a kidney often have a longer life expectancy than the general public. Probably because you have to be super healthy to donate in the first place, but let's just assume donating gives you superpowers.
Just loading some spare kidney facts.
Alport syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities. It is caused by mutations in the genes responsible for producing type IV collagen, a crucial structural protein in the kidneys, ears, and eyes.
Collagen defects lead to eye abnormalities, shape changes in the lens, and early cataracts.
Progressive sensorineural hearing loss usually begins in late childhood or early adolescence.
The kidneys' filters (glomeruli) slowly scar over time, eventually leading to end-stage renal failure.
While a kidney transplant completely replaces the failing renal function and cures the kidney-related aspects of the disease (as the new kidney will have healthy collagen), it does not reverse the existing hearing or vision loss. However, a successful transplant dramatically improves energy levels, stops the need for dialysis, and restores overall physical health.
If you don't need both of your kidneys (spoiler: you don't), consider handing one over. I'll even let you visit it sometimes.
Donating through the NKR comes with comprehensive support and protections.
replaces wages lost due to time off work
for travel, lodging, dependent and pet care
in the unlikely event you ever need a kidney
donate now, protect your family in the future
avoid air travel for donor evaluation & surgery
speak with a living kidney donor
maximize the impact of your donation
fighting termination & discrimination
reimbursement for complications costs
streamlined donation process
eliminate trips to the transplant center
give feedback to improve the process
Usually, yes. After donation, the remaining kidney enlarges slightly and takes over the work of the original pair. Most donors maintain good long-term health and normal life expectancy.
Major complications are uncommon, but it is major surgery. The surgical mortality rate is around 3.1 in 10,000 donors. Long-term, there is a slightly higher risk of high blood pressure and kidney failure compared to equally healthy non-donors.
Most surgeries are laparoscopic (keyhole). The hospital stay is usually 1 to 4 days, with many donors returning to work in 3 to 6 weeks. Physical quality of life usually returns to baseline by six months.
The recipient's insurance generally covers the donor's medical evaluation, testing, and surgery. Donors who donate through the NKR in the United States are also typically covered by Donor Shield for lost wages, travel, and lodging. If you live outside the U.S., see the international donor questions below—International Donor Shield travel reimbursements differ, and lost wages are not included in that pilot program.
I am blood type O+, which means I can only receive an O kidney. (For kidney transplants, ABO blood type matters; the Rh “+” or “−” does not.) Even if we aren't a direct match, you can still help me through the Paired Kidney Exchange program. Your donation would go to someone you match with, and in return, I would receive a kidney from a matching donor. Learn more from the OPTN living donation overview.
Yes. International donor candidates can register with the National Kidney Registry, but you must travel to the United States for the full medical evaluation and donation surgery at an NKR Member Center. You can start through my NKR page at nkr.org/ENZ362. See the NKR guide for international donors.
Through a Donor Care Network center, eligible international donors may use International Donor Shield, a pilot program that reimburses donation-related travel. Current policy allows up to $3,000 for the in-person U.S. evaluation trip and up to $6,000 for the donation and recovery trip (the donation trip may also cover an accompanying caregiver). Receipts are required, and lost wage reimbursement is not included in the international pilot—amounts and rules can change, so check the current International Donor Shield policy and the NKR overview.
Before traveling, international donor candidates usually complete preliminary blood and urine tests in their home country, coordinated by the U.S. transplant center. Those early tests are typically paid locally (out of pocket or through local insurance); in some cases the recipient's family may help with those costs. If the results support continuing, the center invites you to the U.S. for the full in-person workup.
Many international donors need a U.S. visa. Check requirements on the U.S. Department of State travel site. If a visa is required, the transplant center can often provide an official support letter for a humanitarian-style visa application at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The visa process itself is between you and the government authorities; the center supports with documentation when appropriate. More detail is in the NKR international donor post.
When not negotiating with nephrologists, Lex plays games. Recently played:
A low-budget Photoshop animation will live here. For now, enjoy the patpat gif below.
Imagine being O+ and also needing a kidney...
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